Eventos Anais de eventos
ENCIT 2018
Brazilian Congress of Thermal Sciences and Engineering
Laser Propulsion Technological Demonstrator Rocket Mode with Ablative System
Submission Author:
Yuri Pimentel , SP
Co-Authors:
Yuri Pimentel , Israel Rêgo, Felipe Jean da Costa, Paulo Toro
Presenter: Yuri Pimentel
doi://10.26678/ABCM.ENCIT2018.CIT18-0188
Abstract
The aerospace research conducted on the Prof Henry T. Nagamatsu Laboratory of Aerothermodynamics and Hypersonic at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IEAv) is developing a new propulsion system, based on the laser propulsion. The Laser Propulsion Technological Demonstrator (DVPL) follows the lightcraft concept, with an axisymmetric geometry, where its leading-edge acts as a compression system, which directs the air flow to the ionization region. The Vehicle’s trailing edge has dual utility, acting as a reflecting mirror to focus the laser beam and as an expansion surface (nozzle) to accelerate the hot gases produced by the breakdown of the air Through the laser radiation or by the laser ablation of onboard ablative material. When DVPL reaches the rocket mode, the inlet is closed and an ablative material is irradiated by the laser beam on the ionization region. Laser ablation is the removal of material from a substrate by direct absorption of energy from the laser. The acceleration of the gases produced by the laser ablation process during the flight over rarefied atmosphere regions and for deep space. This work presents the methodology to select a material to be used for laser ablation during the rocket mode, based on the polymer class due the attractive mechanical properties and economical aspects.
Keywords
Lightcraft, Laser Propulsion, Laser Ablation, Polymers, Propulsion
